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There are hundreds of hotels in Singapore, but be warned, very few are what many of us would call cheap. Large luxury five-star establishments abound, but there are a growing number of boutique hotels popping up too. You won’t find a b&b in Singapore, though there are backpacker-type hostels.

Orchard Road and the central business district are the main areas where you’ll find the large chain hotels, but there are many more individual hotels located around Chinatown and along the river.

Things to consider before booking

Even a modest three-star hotel could prove pricey if you don’t book in advance. All hotels in Singapore are subject to taxes, so bear that in mind when booking – rates will usually be published with ++ meaning added government taxes and a 10 per cent service charge.

During the Formula 1 Grand Prix (September 23-25, 2011), room prices are sky high and the hotels with a view of the track are often booked out a year in advance. Avoid Chinese New Year, especially if you are a business traveller - practically everything shuts down, sometimes for an entire four days. While Christmas isn’t as hectic as you might think, and certainly if you are a tourist, you wouldn’t know the difference, because all the shops are open as normal.

I’ve stayed, and filmed, at my fair share of hotels in Singapore over the last 10 years, having come back to my hometown on many a travel assignment. My hotel selection is based on what I consider to be iconic places to stay, value for money establishments and good, solid hotels for the price.

* Simonseeks has given star ratings out of five for all accommodation
recommendations. With hotels, these will tally with the hotel's official star rating where
it exists. Where a hotel has no official star rating, and in the case of b & bs and hostels,
the experts have made a judgment as to how many stars the accommodation deserves, in terms
of comfort, level of facilities and so forth.